BIRTH OF GREAT JOHN THE BAPTIST FORETOLD BY ANGEL
Luke1-1:24
Zacharias – (Father of John the Baptist)
[Luke1-1:7]
In the days of Herod (the Great, king of Judea), there was a certain priest whose name was Zacharias, of the division of Abijah.
His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron (the first high priest of Israel).
They both were righteous (approved) in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.
But they were childless, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both far advanced in years.
Angel (Gabriel) appeared Zacharias
[Luke1-8:20]
Zacharias was serving as priest before God in the appointed order of his priestly division, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. All the congregation was praying outside, an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias, he was troubled and overcome with fear.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your petition (in prayer) was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
- And you will name him John.
- You will have great joy and delight, and many will rejoice over his birth
- He will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord; and will never drink wine or liquor.
- He will turn many of the sons of Israel back (from sin) to (love and serve) the Lord their God.
- It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous (which is to seek and submit to the will of God) in order to make people prepared (spiritually and morally) for the Lord.”
Zacharias said to the angel,
- How will I be certain of this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in age.
The angel replied and said to him, “I am Gabriel; I stand and minister in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent [by Him] to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Listen carefully, you will be continually silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe what I told you; but my words will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
Zacharias wife Elizabeth becomes pregnant
[Luke1-21:24]
The people (outside temple) were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering about his long delay in the temple.
When he came out, he was unable to speak. They realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.
When his time of priestly service was finished, he returned to his home. Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she secluded herself completely.
